Rugby … with cauliflower ears

Habana to tour with Stormers

April 2, 2013by Tank

Hooker Scarra Ntubeni , lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Bryan Habana will all be fit for the Stormers’ tour down under later this month.

“Bryan has been working really hard and he could be fit for our first tour match (against the Hurricanes in Palmerston North on April 26),” said coach Allister Coetzee. “I don’t want to get too carried away about his exact return date but he will definitely make the tour.”

Meanwhile, flyhalf Elton Jantjies (chest), who had a jittery game against the Crusaders, sat out training on Monday but will return to training later in the week. He will be up for selection for the game against the Cheetahs.

Flank Rynhardt Elstadt (shoulder) is not available for this weekend. He will be re-assessed next week.

Wing Gerhard van den Heever (knee) is also not available for this weekend. He will be out for a minimum of two weeks at this stage.

Flank-cum-lock Don Armand (intercostal rib muscle injury) is a doubtful starter, but Pat Cilliers (hand/forearm) has been cleared after taking a knock against the Crusaders.

Forward Michael Rhodes (hamstring) is up to speed – fitness-wise (after playing for the WP Vodacom Cup team and working hard with fitness and conditioning coach Steph du Toit) – and will come into contention for the Cheetahs match.

Loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff rejoined team after spending a week on the sidelines due to suspension.

One Comment

Is it not time for Allister to maybe consider permanently filling Rassie’s old position as director of rugby at WPRU?

Something needs to change at the Cape franchise and it can’t be the players. We have not seen a collection of so many talented youngsters and experienced stars together in Cape Town in a long time, yet we are struggling to get the machine into motion!

I am sure Allister still has a lot that he can add to WP & the Stormers, but his plans on field have just not changed over the past 4 years. Surely available coaches the likes of John Dobson, John Mitchell and Nick Mallett has fresh views and plans that can help the Stormers and WP become a powerhouse similar to the Bulls of old.